Photography Blinds

Bald Eagles perched on a snag at photo blind #5 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

General Information

Wildlife photography opportunities at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges are excellent. Six photography blinds have been made available, five on Tule Lake Refuge and one on Lower Klamath Refuge. Use of these blinds is by reservation only. An annual recreation pass is required for anyone using refuge photo blinds. Only one blind may be reserved per day, and a given blind may be reserved for up to two days per week. Blind reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and accepted only within six months of the first date the blind will be used.

Making a Reservation

Blind reservations may be made in person, by telephone, or mail at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, located 5 miles west of Tulelake, CA, on Hill Rd. Telephone: (530) 667-2231. Visitor Center hours are 8 am - 4:30 pm, weekdays and 9 am - 4 pm weekends and holidays. The Refuge Visitor Center is closed Christmas and New Year's days. Reservations by mail or telephone should be made at least 10 days prior to intended use to allow for mail delivery of materials.

Reservation confirmations are mailed when payment has been received. An annual refuge pass is available for $25 and is valid for one year from date of purchase. ($12.50 per person for those with a Senior Interagency Pass, an Interagency Access Pass or for full time students 21 years and under) For those requesting a permit by phone, credit cards are accepted. Please make checks payable to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The reservation includes a slip to display on the vehicle dashboard. There is no need to return reservation materials after use.

Reducing Wildlife Disturbance

Please conduct activities so as to keep wildlife disturbance to a minimum. For example, make a genuine effort to exit the blind/area when no wildlife is in the vicinity. Such actions will not only benefit wildlife but will help ensure continued, high quality photographic opportunities. Photographers are encouraged to enter blinds prior to sunrise which reduces disturbance and helps achieve the best photographic results.